The orchestra struck up and guests took their cue, joining in with a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” sang in a mix of Spanish and German. Hitler stood throughout and relished the tumultuous applause that followed. Bormann left the stage and, a few moments later, a stunning figure appeared. A young woman, dressed from head to toe in a Christian Dior couture black evening gown, made her way elegantly to the microphone. Her olive skin and rich red lips were perfectly framed by long, flowing black hair, and her eyes shone like diamonds. Silence fell across the garden and even Eva Perón sensed she was in the presence of a true diva. The orchestra began playing and Hitler instantly recognised the opening chords to one of his favourite arias. The soprano began to sing “Liebestod”, the final dramatic sequence from Wagner’s 1859 classic, Tristan und Isolde. Her remarkable voice was almost celestial and overwhelming in the purity of its register.

Every guest was transfixed by the performance and, as she delivered the final note, she was greeted by a spontaneous standing ovation. Bormann led her offstage and escorted her across the lawn to Hitler’s table. The Führer stood up to greet them. She offered him her hand, and he took it in his own and then, to the amazement of the assembled guests, he lowered his head and gently kissed it.

“What is your name?”

She instinctively turned to Bormann for assistance, as she didn’t understand German. He stepped forward to join them.

“Führer, allow me to introduce you to Maria Callas.”

* * *

The garden party was a great success, and, at eight in the evening, the limos returned to ferry the guests back to the private plane for the return flight to Buenos Aires. Hitler and Braun immediately retired to their respective bedrooms, leaving Bormann to entertain the three house guests. It was a balmy evening and the four men sat around one of the circular tables drinking the exquisite German cognac that Bormann had shipped over from the Fatherland. He took them through the agenda for the upcoming meeting with Hitler, making sure they were fully briefed and on his side. Although they were still respectful of the Führer, by the time Bormann had finished, it was absolutely clear to all of them who was really pulling the strings.

The following morning, they assembled in Hitler’s study, where four chairs had been laid out in a semicircle facing his imposing desk. Bormann sensed the Führer was far more energised and alert than normal. The adrenalin from the party was evidently still coursing through his veins, as was his latest intake of cocaine and, when he spoke, his voice was stronger than ever.